Fire companies from several Carbon communities are on scene battling a fast moving brush fire along Highland Hills Road at the border of Mahoning Township and Jim Thorpe. On scene are the Mahoning Valley, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe and Franklin township fire companies as well as several units of DCNR.

The National Weather Service says a combination of low relative humidity, gusty westerly winds, and dry fine fuels will lead to an elevated risk for fire spread with any potential fire starts this afternoon across New Jersey, southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the eastern shores of

Maryland.

Minimum relative humidity values this afternoon will range from 20 to 25 percent across the region. Winds will be sustained from 10 to 15 mph with gusts around 20 to 25 mph,

highest around mid to late afternoon. Fine fuel moisture may be somewhat of a limiting factor, mainly across southern New Jersey, due to rainfall last Friday.

Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition source, including machinery, cigarettes, and matches. Be sure to properly discard all smoking materials. Any dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter that ignite will have the potential to spread fire quickly.